This is one of the best rental cars I've ever driven. No, I
didn't borrow it from Hertz; I drove the test model GM offered.
But when I climbed in and saw that old-fashioned bench seat in the
front, with room for three people pressed shoulder-to-shoulder, and
caressed that unabashedly artificial polyester upholstery, and
gripped the stalk-mounted transmission lever, I was transported to
the rental counter at some nondescript airport, late on a rainy
night, eager to climb into any old car and close the door
and finally be free of lines and luggage.

Those evocations of mediocrity are a shame, because the Impala
is one of the most pleasant surprises from Chevrolet in years (not
counting, of course, the Corvette). The base model, which I drove,
starts at about $22,000 and is very complete for an entry-level
sedan. In addition to basics like a CD player, A/C, and power
everything, there are niceties like overhead map and reading
lights, vanity mirrors, automatic headlamps, and programmable
lighting settings. Interior space is comparable to that in a Toyota
Camry or Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, and trunk space is larger.
Another big plus: Side-curtain airbags are standard. The Impala is
impressive not just for all the stuff packed into it, however, but
also for a thorough job of execution that left me feeling
surrounded by competence. The dashboard controls are solid, and the
materials feel pleasant and substantial. The interior is handsome
without lame attempts at flashiness. There is no superfluous junk
to contend with.

The Impala is confident on the road, too. Unlike most other mid
size sedans, which start out with a four-cylinder engine, the
Impala comes standard with a 211-horsepower V-6 that's strong
and quiet--not quite as refined as the best in the class, but
enough to get the job done with no complaints. What really got my
attention is the Impala's handling. In stark contrast to the
loose, boaty feel of some Americans sedans, including modern ones
like the Buick Lucerne, the Impala's steering is taut and
responsive. Without too much exertion, you feel like you're
actually turning the tires, not just pushing an electronic steering
button. That provides a road feel that Chevy seems to have
forgotten about for a while and now has gladly rediscovered. On the
pavement, and in the cabin, the Impala stacks up pretty squarely
against the Camry and Accord and other dominant sedans. Plus that
lovely bench in the front lets it seat six, instead of a measly
five! Now there's a selling point.

Snapshot

NITS: Antilock brakes are optional. This important,
relatively inexpensive safety feature should be standard on any
mid-level family car.

G-FORCES: The 211-horsepower V-6 is a great standard
engine, with plenty of power for most situations. People who want
more can upgrade to a 242-horsepower V-6, while muscle-car
enthusiasts who buy the SS model will get a 303-horsepower V-8. The
Impala comes with a four-speed automatic transmission that's
not as sophisticated as as the five-speeds on competitors like the
Accord and Camry, meaning the engine performance isn't quite as
smooth. But it's not noticeably harsh. Cornering is as good as
on most other front-drive sedans of this size.

GIZMOLOGY: One characteristic I appreciated: Controls
like the trunk release, the power outlets, and the trip computer
buttons are sensibly laid out, within easy reach-not always
the case. Radio and climate systems are clearly designed and easy
to use. One oddity: The front cupholders are concealed beneath the
standard bench seat, and part of the seat needs to be flipped over
to get to them.

KID MARKS: Space is good--especially in the trunk--and
the doors are small and manageable. Two drawbacks: There are no
rear cupholders on lower trim lines, nor does the back seat fold
down, helpful for carrying long cargo along with a kid or two.

HOT or NOT: Not particularly, but well groomed.

ENVIROMENT: The EPA ranks the Impala above average for
greenhouse gas emissions but hasn't yet rated it for pollution.
Details are at www.fueleconomy.gov.

PAIN AT THE PUMP: The government's mileage ratings
range from 19 mpg/city to 31/mpg highway, very good for a V-6. The
entry-level Impala LS ranked 203 out of 477 on U.S.News's
exclusive Muscle Per Gallon index. The upgraded Impala LT ranked
178.

CRASH COURSE: Earns 10 stars out of 10 on the
government's frontal crash test, and 9 out of 10 on the
side-impact test. Rollover resistance rating is 4 stars out of 5.
Side-curtain airbags are standard; antilock brakes and traction
control are optional. Stability control is not available. More
info: www.nhtsa.gov